Program Overview

“Religious studies” introduces students to the academic study of religion and spirituality as well as the variety of religious traditions around the world (e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; Chinese religious traditions; indigenous religious traditions in North America and in Africa; atheism and agnosticism, pagan and other nature-based traditions).  Students with a particular thematic interest may pursue the study of “religion and film,” “spirituality and wellness,” and/or “religion and human rights.” Because religion is deeply implicated in history, culture, politics, literature, and medicine, the study of religion is critical to understanding and explaining complex global issues in both the past and the present. One does not have to be “religious” or “spiritual” to study religion, nor is the study of religion directed toward establishing the truth of one religion over another.

To major in religion (i.e., religious studies) means to engage some of the most profound questions people ask themselves: What does it mean to be human? How are we part of a world of animals and plants, water and earth? What are our responsibilities to other persons and the earth? How do we make decisions about fundamental individual and social issues? Is there a world of invisible agents (e.g., ancestors, spirits, gods, and God) or ultimate meaning and value? If so, what difference does it make? With these questions in mind, we pursue the academic study of religion and spirituality from a variety of theoretical and methodological perspectives, including anthropology, archaeology, cognitive sciences, fine arts, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and textual analysis.

Because religious studies is an interdisciplinary field of study, students may use the major in religion in many different ways: as preparation for graduate school; as a stand-alone or second major in a program of study leading to a career in business, healthcare, public service, social services, or teaching; or, simply and most profoundly, to enrich personal knowledge and skills and understanding of others. Students commonly combine religious studies with another major or minor to improve their cultural awareness and enhance their career and civic life.

Consistent with this interdisciplinary emphasis, religious studies faculty teach courses supporting a variety of major and minor programs, including ancient Mediterranean studies, international studies, Islamic studies, Medieval and Renaissance studies, Latino/a Latin American studies, Native American studies, women's and gender studies, medical humanities, and human rights studies.

Underlying the practical applications in different fields and professions, the basic intellectual purpose of religious studies is to develop an appreciation for, an understanding of, and a critical insight into the rich variety of the world's religious and spiritual traditions in the complex global realities (cultural, social, economic, political, and environmental) of the twenty-first century.